1956 Melbourne Mint

Penny, Florin, Shilling, Sixpence, Threepence.

Bronze coins after having been around for decades are now quite
difficult to find in a fully brilliant state of preservation.
The collector proofs were released as part of a 5 coin set running from 1d up to 2/-. The
One Penny Proof is extremely difficult to obtain in a fully brilliant condition as most of
these have toned as the sets were sold loose to collectors , wrapped only in cellophane
allowing eager collectors to handle them.
There is a full set in collection but no pictures available.

Some of the general pointers to look for to distinguish Melbourne proofs from the normal
circulation strikes are:

The fields are flat with little of the light detraction caused by the normal rolled
unpolished planchet for circulation strikes.

The rim is sharp and flat, with a definite right angle on the edge, - the Melbourne
mint proofs often have a rim extrusion

The rim is sharp and flat, with a definite right angle on the edge, the circulation
strikes are slightly rounded.

Examine the rim carefully as some Melbourne mint silver was struck with chrome
plated dies so that they have reflective fields and can be confused with proofs, the
circulation strikes are slightly rounded and often the extrusion is not all the way
around.

The detail of the Queen's hair is always well struck and clearly defined.